Published Monday 27 April 2026 at 15:01
From 1 May 2026, private renting in England will change as part of the new Renters’ Rights Act.
These are the most significant changes to the housing sector in more than 30 years.
The Act introduces new rights and responsibilities for landlords and tenants.
The changes are designed to make renting fairer and more secure, giving tenants fewer barriers when finding a home and greater stability once they move in.
To help explain what this means, our Housing Standards Team has created handy guides for both tenants and landlords on our website:
Renters’ Rights Act – guide for tenants
Renters’ Rights Act – guide for landlords
Please note, these changes only apply to homes that are privately rented. Different rules apply if you:
- rent from a housing association
- live in student accommodation (university or privately owned halls)
- are a lodger living with your landlord
For more information, please check out our website.